German Phrase
Nee, ich lasse mir Zeit.
Meaning
This phrase is a casual way to indicate that you are not in a hurry and intend to proceed slowly or deliberately. It uses the colloquial 'Nee' for 'no' combined with the reflexive idiom 'sich Zeit lassen', which literally translates to 'to leave oneself time'.
When to use
Use this in informal situations when someone asks if you are ready, finished, or if you want to speed up. It is perfect for restaurants, shopping, or when working on a hobby around friends.
✦Grammar Breakdown
NeeichlassemirZeit
Nee
A very common colloquial version of 'Nein' used in everyday speech.
Sich Zeit lassen
An idiomatic reflexive construction where 'lassen' (to let/leave) is paired with a dative pronoun.
Dative Pronoun
'Mir' is used here in the dative case to indicate the person for whom the time is being 'left'.
🗨In Conversation
Bist du schon fertig mit dem Essen?
Are you finished with the meal yet?
Nee, ich lasse mir Zeit.
No, I'm taking my time.
✕Common Mistakes
Nee, ich nehme mir Zeit.
'Sich Zeit nehmen' usually means to carve out time in a schedule for something, whereas 'sich Zeit lassen' means to perform an action slowly.
Nee, ich lasse mich Zeit.
The reflexive pronoun must be in the dative case ('mir') because you are leaving time 'to' yourself.
↔Alternatives
Keine Eile.
No rush.
Ich beeile mich nicht.
I am not hurrying.
Ganz mit der Ruhe.
Easy does it.
Cultural Tip
While Germans are known for efficiency, they also highly value 'Gemütlichkeit' (coziness) and taking time to enjoy life's moments, like a long Sunday coffee. Using 'Nee' instead of 'Nein' immediately signals a relaxed, North-or-Central German informal register.